Firefighter Helps Battle Blaze At Own House

December 21, 1996|By NICOLE M. MALEC; Courant Staff Writer

WETHERSFIELD — Volunteer firefighter John D'Amico was heading back from a call Friday morning when he heard another alarm. D'Amico didn't debate whether to go to the fire or go home -- his house was burning.

When D'Amico arrived at 44 Peach Hill Road, his mother and the family dog were outside uninjured, so he went to work fighting the fire.

``I was shocked,'' he said. ``But I just went in and did what I had to do to put it out.''

The living room in the 2,200- square-foot ranch was severely burned. Other rooms had smoke and heat damage, said Fire Chief John McAuliffe.

``There is some major damage,'' he said. All the front windows were broken and a large hole was in the roof.

D'Amico said inside the living room, Christmas presents were wrapped and ready and the tree trimmed. He said he had just bought his girlfriend an expensive gift.

``I didn't see it in there,'' he said. ``I was too busy.''

D'Amico said he won't let the fire delay Christmas for his family.

``It will still happen,'' he said.

Vinny Sessa, D'Amico's cousin, said he rushed to the house when he heard about he fire.

``I knew my aunt was home,'' he said. ``I'm just so glad no one was hurt.''